Can I brand a cutting board that has already been finished with oil?
I recently had a branding iron made so I can put my logo on my projects. I make a ton of cutting boards and have a good amount of inventory set aside for my online shop. My question is…Can I got back and brand the cutting boards that I have already finished with oil/wax? I finish the boards with mineral oil which I understand never fully cures and is very flammable so, is there any chance that the hot branding iron could ignite the board?
If it makes any difference, the boards have been sitting for a few months, so they’re not soaking wet with oil.
This might be a silly question, but I generally proceed with an abundance of caution whenever dealing with flammable objects, especially in a wood shop for obvious reasons. I’ve done a lot of online digging with no luck. I’d love to hear feedback from someone who has specifically done this.
Thanks,
Joe
Replies
Sure, you can brand it. It may heat differently than on raw wood.
Mineral oil is no flammable, but is combustible. Wood is also not flammable, but is combustible. The difference is in how much heat is required. For your purposes, there is no more danger of fire than with raw wood. If you're worried, do it outside.
Thanks John!
I was in a similar situation when I forgot to brand my project. I realized my mistake after the first coat of finish was applied which was a mixture of linseed oil and polyurethane.
I waited 48 hours for it to completely dry and then branded it. The area around the brand became sticky to the touch and never returned to normal. Apparently the intense heat caused the finish to break down. applying a second coat of finish didn't help.
Your finish is mineral oil so will probably react differently than mine did but I would advise to brand just one cutting board and see if it's OK 24 hours later.
Mike
Thanks mike!
Oil a piece of wood, brand it. Then you'll know.
Yes.
Funnily enough I saw this done on youtube yesterday!
The problem is that any overburn cannot then be sanded off without damaging the finish, otherwise it worked well.
I've never branded things myself on the basis that I cannot come up with a 'name' for my woodshop.
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